FlavScents AInsights Entry: Furfuryl Acetate (CAS: 623-17-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Furfuryl acetate
• IUPAC Name: Furan-2-ylmethyl acetate
• CAS Number: 623-17-6
• FEMA Number: 2489
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
• Molecular Formula: C7H8O3
• Molecular Weight: 140.14 g/mol

Furfuryl acetate is an ester compound characterized by the presence of a furan ring and an acetate group. The furan ring contributes to its distinctive odor profile, which is often described as sweet and fruity with nuances of caramel and bread. The acetate group enhances its volatility and diffusion, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Furfuryl acetate is known for its sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of caramel and bread, with a hint of green apple. It is often used as an impact note in flavor compositions due to its strong and diffusive character. The compound has a relatively low odor threshold, allowing it to impart noticeable sensory effects even at low concentrations. Its role in formulations is typically as a top note, providing initial impact and enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Furfuryl acetate occurs naturally in various fruits and foods, including apples, coffee, and bread. It is formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the cooking and processing of foods. This reaction is responsible for the development of complex flavors and aromas in baked goods and roasted coffee. Furfuryl acetate's presence in these foods supports its designation as a "natural flavor" in regulatory contexts.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Furfuryl acetate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit, caramel, and bakery profiles. It serves as an impact note, providing sweetness and enhancing the perception of freshness and ripeness in fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor systems. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, furfuryl acetate is utilized for its sweet, fruity aroma that complements floral and gourmand compositions. It is commonly found in perfumes, personal care products, and household items. The compound acts as a top note, contributing to the initial burst of fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Furfuryl acetate is approved for use as a flavoring agent under FEMA GRAS status.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 07.008.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits in certain applications.
• Latin America: Recognized under MERCOSUR regulations, with harmonized assumptions across member countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Furfuryl acetate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications when used within established guidelines. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory authorities. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low risk, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Furfuryl acetate is valued for its ability to enhance sweetness and fruitiness in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and aldehydes, creating complex and appealing profiles. Formulators should be cautious of its strong impact, as overuse can lead to an overpowering aroma. It is often under-utilized in savory applications, where it can add depth and complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on furfuryl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in use levels across different regions. No significant data gaps or regulatory ambiguities have been identified.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1-9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-02-13 13:14:01 GMT (p2)